A Rare Fish

Phase 1 (underpainting)

 A Rare Fish- Oil on Wood Panel with Silver Leaf ( 18" x 24")

The process of painting "A Rare Fish" involves 4 distinct steps. In the first phase I apply a dry base, meaning that I do not mix additional oils or varnished that would impede the drying process. This first layer needs to dry completely before the next step.

In phase 2, additional shading is applied. In phase 3 (not shown), a contrasting paint color mixed with soft wax is added over the dried first layer. In phase 4, details are painted in and line work is scratched into the visible layer which reveals the contrasting color beneath. Lastly, silver leaf is applied to the painting and color adjustments are made to integrate the paint and silver leaf.

Phase 2 (shading)

Finished Painting